Gift allows Harn to appoint curator of photography

August 14, 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Harn Museum of Art has appointed Carol McCusker as curator of photography. She is the first to fill the curatorship since it was endowed through a $1.5 million gift by the Mary Ann Harn Cofrin family, longtime supporters of the Harn Museum.

McCusker joins the Harn with more than 12 years of experience in the field, including serving as the curator of photography at the Museum of Photographic Arts in San Diego from June 2001 to February 2010. She is also a seasoned educator, having served as an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego and at the University of California, San Diego.

“We are delighted that Carol will join the Harn team to fill the newly endowed curator of photography position,” said Rebecca Nagy, Harn Museum of Art director. “Carol has had a distinguished career as a curator of photography and professor. We know she will be an asset to the Harn Museum and the University of Florida as we continue to build a strong collection of photography, develop stellar exhibitions, and create engaging programs.”

McCusker specializes in history of photography and cinema, modern and postmodern cultural studies, 20th-century popular culture, mass media, and documentary photography and film. She has a doctorate and a master’s degree in art history and the history of photography from the University of New Mexico. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in art history and studio art from the Massachusetts College of Art.

“I am thrilled to join the Harn Museum staff and the University of Florida as an endowed curator of photography,” McCusker said. “The Cofrins’ generosity will provide support for research, academic travel, and program development. I look forward to using these funds to curate thought-provoking new exhibitions for our visitors.”